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Global Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (GCNTDR) launched to advance global impact for NTDs

Updated: Aug 17

The Global Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (GCNTDR) today announces its official launch, marking the transition of the London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR, 2013–2025) into a globally oriented centre of excellence for collaborative research, equitable partnerships and research capacity strengthening for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and neglected zoonotic diseases (NZDs).


Hosted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London, the GCNTDR builds on more than a decade of research undertaken through the LCNTDR, a partnership originally established between Imperial College London, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the Natural History Museum, and the RVC. Its work contributed to a global movement catalysed by the 2012 London Declaration on NTDs, which mobilised unprecedented pharmaceutical donations.


The relaunch reflects a strategic shift towards expanded engagement with research institutions in NTD-endemic countries, a stronger focus on One Health approaches and drug resistance challenges, together with a combination of both core and collaborative research and policy programmes with international capacity strengthening - all priorities that sit at the heart of the World Health Organization's (WHO) NTD Road Map 2021–2030 and companion documents.


A global centre for a global challenge

NTDs affect more than a billion people worldwide, disproportionately in the world's poorest communities. While 64 countries have eliminated at least one NTD and hundreds of millions of people receive treatment each year, significant gaps remain in diagnostics, surveillance, and health system integration. Many NTDs also have zoonotic, vector-borne, and/or environmentally mediated transmission pathways, meaning sustainable progress depends on breaking down silos between human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

Under its expanded mandate, the GCNTDR will focus on:


  • Strengthening national research capacity by supporting institutions and researchers in endemic countries

  • Promoting One Health approaches that address the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health

  • Expanding research on antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance (AMR) and its implications for NTD control

  • Leading collaborative, multidisciplinary and multi-country  research and policy projects.


New global governance

The Centre's transition is underpinned by a newly appointed Executive Board, bringing together experts from public and animal health and research institutions across both disease-endemic and non-endemic countries. The Board is chaired by the GCNTDR Director Professor Joanne Webster FMedSci FRS (RVC), and currently includes:



"The launch of the Global Centre for NTD Research marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. As we become a truly global platform, we are bringing together world-leading expertise, partnership, and innovation to create a Centre that is scientifically excellent, globally connected, and united by a shared commitment to capacity building and advancing One Health solutions.  Together, we will accelerate progress towards the control, elimination, and where possible, eradication of neglected tropical and zoonotic diseases, helping to realise the ambitions of the WHO’s 2030 roadmap.  


Neglected tropical diseases are no longer confined to the world's poorest and most remote communities. In an era of climate change, environmental disruption, and increasing global interconnectedness, their impact is evolving in ways that demand greater scientific understanding and international collaboration. The Centre will play a pivotal role in generating the evidence and partnerships needed to anticipate, prevent, and respond to these emerging challenges." 


— Professor Joanne P. Webster FMedSci FRS, Director GCNTDR


“I am delighted that the Global Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research has secured support to advance its vital work into diseases that are of international significance to human and animal health. The exciting evolution of the Centre builds on years of committed collaborative endeavour and the Royal Veterinary College is honoured to be host to an amazing cadre of scientists, and their many collaborators. As we seek to address major societal challenge from pathogens in rapidly changing ecosystems, the One Health paradigm is increasingly important if we are to find holistic, sustainable solutions and the Centre’s contributions will be pivotal in helping us achieve these.


— Professor Stuart Reid CBE, President and Principal of the Royal Veterinary College


Marking the launch

The launch will be marked by an in-person event at the RVC in December 2026, bringing together diverse stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of the London Centre for NTD Research and highlight how the expansion of the Centre to be a global platform will bring benefits to its members and the wider NTD community. 


Notes to editors

  • Interviews with Professor Joanne Webster are available on request.


Media contact

Tim Jesudason, Communications, Health Economics and Policy Manager, GCNTDR

 
 
 

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